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Bebop Spoken There

Buddy Guy: "My mother said, 'You got flowers for me, give 'em to me now, because I'm not going to smell them when you put 'em on the casket'." -(DownBeat September 2018).

Marty Ashby: "I asked him what his gig was and he said 'I put the scores on the music stands'. I said, 'That's a gig?' And I realised there were four floors of guys like him, who supported some of the finest musicians in the world. But I was a jazz musician, and I was used to playing with some of the finest musicians in the world in front of the New York Public Library for tips. That's when I realised that jazz didn't have the same support system as classical music.- (DownBeat September 2018).

Those who have heard this tremendous player on previous visits will have already pencilled at least one of these dates in. Those who are unfamiliar with his work might like to hear a couple of duo tracks with Paul Edis. Follow the links - it's worth it!

The burning question is why? Why are there so many Hot Club style bands dotted, not just around the UK but in fact, around the world? At a guess, there's probably more Gypsy Swing groups than there are Glenn Miller ones. Well, they do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so it says much for the originals that just about every city in this country - let alone France and Belgium - has one or more such group. Which of course is great as the originators are long gone but of course the recorded legacy remains.

Two visits to Pizza in three days - I'll be looking like a Pepperoni soon! But, with the collapse of the gig at Ronnie's (from my point of view) it worked out fine.

Simon Woolf has opted for a line-up from which you expect nothing less than perfect and that's what we got. Arrangements by Simon ensured a tightly knit front-line that was, at times, reminiscent of '50s west coast jazz whilst at others it brought to mind earlier groups such as the Johnny Kirby Sextet or some of Raymond Scott's pieces - albeit scored in a contemporary manner.

Vasilis Xenopoulos (wonderful Greek tenor saxophonist now based in London) with Paul Edis Trio and featuring the leader's thoughtful, Bill Evans inspired, piano plus the mercurial Mick Shoulder on bass and a great young drummer, Adam Sinclair.

Cadogan Hall is one of the nicest concert halls and, even the smaller Culford Room was an impressive setting with its pillars and celtic knotted ceiling. It made for an intimate, yet very well attended lunchtime gig.

This was the first time I'd heard Ms Williams and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. From the opening bars of Falling in love With Love I felt the disappointment of having the plug pulled on tonight's Seth McFarlane gig at Ronnie's quickly ebb away. This girl is the biz!

The doyen of north east piano players had been away from the scene for too long. This rare public performance by Alan Glen was one of those ‘I was there’ occasions. Glen is a man of few words – ‘One, two, three…’ is about as much as he has to say. His jazz piano playing does the talking, then some! Regular bassist John Pope forged a new partnership with drummer Paul Wight and one wondered how things would work out. Just grand I’d say! The set list is always five star material and a treat of modern jazz piano playing was in store. Love For Sale, Stella by Starlight, Autumn Leaves familiar tunes all, yet the sprightly tempi produced something extra special confirming that Glen has lost nothing in terms of ideas and their rapid execution.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The trio opened up with a couple of numbers before Maddy Whitney stepped up to the mic. It was a hesitant start and the verse to Someone To Watch Over Me fluctuated pitchwise. However, as her set progressed the confidence grew and by the final You Go To My Head she had it nailed.

Emillia Martenson occupied the headline spot, and a strong program of contemporary '60s/'70s songs followed, done in a jazz related format. The voice is powerful, the delivery is confident and the stage presence commanding.

We arrived at the Club Cherrytree about 8pm and the place was buzzing. Every table was full and there were plenty of people upstairs as well. The band were well into their stride and Katherine Stone was in full flow singing Wade in the Water, looking every inch a stunning night club jazz singer with, according to my fashion stylist companion, a perfectly updated '40s dress with frills and pleats, sparkling earrings and un tres chic chignon (or hair bun, to you and me). Much of the interval was spent discussing how to create that effect with your hair and I fully intend trying it.

A New Century appearance is rather like waiting for a bus… nothing for ages, then three come along at once!

On Saturday 1st September, we have the honour of opening Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club's new venue, the Studio at the Dolphin Centre, right in the centre of town after many successful years at the Arts Centre's Garden Bar.

The full address is the Dolphin Centre, Horse Market, Darlington DL1 5RP, and there is a lift to the Studio on the first floor which also has adjacent food and bar facilities. Pay & display parking is available to the side and rear of the Town Hall.

The show starts at 12.30pm, and tickets (£8.50) are available in advance from the Dolphin Centre on 01325 388406 or on the door. Please come along and give the club a good start in its new home.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

There's an ambiance about Pizza that comes across as your friendly neighbourhood jazz club rather than a nationwide chain.

Tonight's session by Scott Hamilton, the last of four nights, was truly delightful. The tenor man is, these days, much more Lestorian than I remembered him - albeit via Brew Moore - and his opening number, End of a Beautiful Friendship was in fact a contradicition as I'm sure that for many in the audience it was the start of a beautiful friendship!

He floated through What Is This Thing Called Love, I Want To Be Happy and Groovin' High to mention but some. Effortlessly and effectively, aided and abetted, by fine solos from Pearce on piano and Dave Green who is surely the most melodic of all our mainstream bassists. With Steve Brown - is there anyone happier at is work than he? - on drums kicking it along this was a great opening set and there was more to come.

A brief chat with Dave Green re JNE's Margaret Barnes (he sends his love Margaret) then it was more swinging tenor before a surprise guest.

Allison Neale. Alison is a lovely young alto player very much in the Art Pepper mode - I kid you not! Just goes to show there is hope for the younger generation yet!

Allison, playing what looked like a vintage Conn Under-slung alto (tasty!), and Scott blew Melancholy Baby and an extended jam on Rhythm changes. Allison knows the language of Bebop ok - it's almost as if she was born on 52nd St.!

Had my oldest son Phil here for a few days and introduced him to the Cherry Tree and Dinner Jazz. He was very impressed, not having come across this style of music night. Phil works in the hotel trade and travels the country staying and dining in good hotels. He gave the Cherry Tree 5 stars. Unbelievable quality and value for money with the Summer Special, now including a free glass of wine. My son he said he would return for another meal and that there would not be many places in the country doing around 60 covers on a Monday night.

Let me make this clear - this disc has nothing to do with the rock band Bad Company! It's far too good for that. However, I could see the name being a deterrent to the right customer and an attraction to the wrong one!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Not of direct interest to this blog but, as we do have one or two "Folkies" aboard, thought I'd mention it.Please note: Eliza Carthy Band plus support, due to take place at The Sage Gateshead in Hall Two on Saturday 13th October2012 at 8pm has been CANCELLED.Lance.

American tenor player Scott Hamilton is at Pizza Express in Soho tonight (and tomorrow - watch this space) and it was good to see it mentioned in the i newspaper - the concise version of The Independent.

I quote..."...and his mellifluous tenor sax swings into town on a return summer visit to Pizza Express, reuniting with some old friends, including, John Pearce on piano and drummer Dave Green." Surely a typo as we all know Dave Green is a bass player. However, perhaps Dave read my Jazz Café post - where I noted Paul Grainger moving from bass to drums during yesterday's session - and decided not to be outdone!

Alternatively, it could just be slip-shod reporting which poses the question, if they can't cut it on an item such as this what chance do they have on a major story?

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Well, Pete didn't unveil his vibes and Adolph didn't turn up either (unless that was him behind the bar) but, nevertheless, Messrs Gilligan and Grainger delivered the goods - did they not!

I've never quite understood why the local jazz Mafia boycott the Café - Keith Crombie has provided a showcase for local jazzers to ply their wares and get much valued experience - Dave Weisser does a similar thing at The Chilli and the Godfathers show small support for that either.

Politics aside, Gilligan was in love - He Met Miss Jones, then there was Stella (by starlight), Alice (in Wonderland),Autumn (in New York) who he later Leaves.

Claire Kelly showed and, after a hesitant I've Grown Accustomed to His Face, rocked I Got Rhythm. Who could ask for anything more? Well we did and got Love Me or Leave Me. A question like that is a no-brainer!

The room had filled nicely by this time and Claire stepped down to allow the boys - Grainger was now on drums and Ray Truscott was threatening bass guitar - nobody threatens better!

Billie's Bounce, You Don't Know What Love is kept the pot boiling before Claire stepped back up.

Clare Fischer's Morning, despite being a first public airing was okay, Mr Ugly - tried and tested Kelly but No More Clichés was a new one and it worked.
The Jazz Café (Pink Lane, Newcastle) is one of the cities treasures - don't let anyone tell you otherwise.Lance.

Move over Bublé and the other keepers of the Gasbook flame - there's a new kid on the block.

Well, not exactly a new kid as Seth MacFarlane is described in the blurb as "Multi Emmy winning Family Guy creator."

Furthermore, the creative force behind Family Guy, American Dad! and The Cleveland Show, a franchise with an estimated worth of $2 billion, who has garnered four Emmys and seven nominations and is also an actor and film director goes for the full set by releasing his début vocal album on Decca.

This raises the question, would Decca have put their corporate weight behind a guy working - say Forest Hall Club - as opposed to a guy with a lot of bucks behind him?

I wonder if you could help me. My son-in-law is a direct descendant of Antonio Volpe and I read your comments re: 'Peter Fielding' with great interest. I would dearly like to purchase any recording of Peter & his band but I don't know where to start. Any internet searches have proved unsccessful. Can you help?

I've several times proffered the opinion that Jim Hart is the number one vibes player - not just in the UK, but anywhere - and this CD only serves to enhance that belief. His flowing solos, unison lines and counterpoint passages with trumpet give an indication as to why he was one of the small number of Brits nominated in this years Down Beat Poll - he got my vote let's hope he got yours.

This was a thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable and educational gig. I say educational because Barnhart gave us lots of information about the rag-time aspects of jazz, and interesting stories about such characters as Fats Waller. When the rest of the musicians later took to the stage, I realised that there wasn’t a sheet of written music to be seen. You really need to know your instrument and your jazz to perform in this way, so well done everyone!

Dennis Rollins' Velocity Trio, heard recently at the Sage Gateshead, can be heard in concert from Wavendon (the Dankworth's country seat) on Jazz Line-Up tomorrow night ((Sunday 26). On Monday night stay tuned to Radio 3 to hear Julian Siegel on Jazz on 3. Siegel will be at the Sage with the Voice of the North Jazz Orchestra two weeks tomorrow (Sunday 9 September).

The Sage’s Friday evenings have drawn large numbers to The Concourse. The keen jazz fan and the casual diner have for the most part happily co-existed in an informal, relaxed setting looking out across the Tyne to Newcastle.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

(Review by Lance.)Now this is what I call a classic! 19 tracks by one of the most versatile (insert your own genre) performers both as a singer and a pianist as well as a civil rights activist.My Baby Just Cares For Me - what pianist hasn't tried to emulate Simone's intro and solo? Big band backing for a Stomping at the Savoy that draws comparison with Ella's version and loses nothing by it. You've BeenGone Too Long has some scintillating, unidentified but vaguely familiar, trumpet work. The voice digs deep into pain and sorrow on Gin House Blues, Wild is the Wind, I'll Look Around, and Blue Prelude.

Durra had been on the California jazz scene for some 30 years before his career took a sudden upwards turn. A residency in a Los Angeles bar-restaurant allowed him to develop his own take on the traditional trio format incorporating songs by Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and Radiohead alongside original compositions as well as, of course, the Gasbook.

...ALICE FLECK. Hope to see you Thursday Alice where you will receive your prize which is - Free Admission Plus a Pint of Real Ale or a large Glass of Wine at The Vieux Carré Jazzmen's Summer Barbecue at The Millstone, Haddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth (7.00pm).

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Just a reminder that the great ragtime and stride piano man from Mystic, Connecticut, Jeff Barnhart, will be in town this weekend. On Friday night he can be heard at the grand piano in the Customs House, South Shields (main theatre) from 8.00pm, solo in the first half and with local assistance (trumpet, clarinet/sax and drums) in the second - Box Office is 0191 454 1234.

On Saturday Jeff is at the Trinity Centre, Gosforth, with a rather different programme - first half with his flautist wife, Anne, in a set taking us from Ragtime to Broadway (with rest-stops at Dixieland and Swing, Jeff informs us), second half in a solo exploration of some of Fats Waller's lesser-known compositions (some even unpublished/unrecorded) ..... "Unsaturated Fats", as you might say. Box office for this one is 0191 285 6130. Note 7:30pm start for Trinity concert.

Choices is a CD as diversified as its title indicates. Fact is, this is as much World Music as Jazz which doesn't make it any less appealing for those with "ears".

Italian born bassist Davide Mantovani moved to the UK in 1991 and quickly established himself as an A-Lister after working with such artists as Zoe Rahman, Andy Sheppard, Jean Toussaint, Jim Mullen and Alex Wilson - the actual list is longer, much longer.

You’ll be wondering why on earth Lance is letting me review this recently issued CD on a jazz blog, so I will quote from the CD insert: The art of dividing upon a ground bass or playing divisions was the Elizabethan and seventeenth century equivalent of our modern jazz tradition. In other words, this is what all you jazz instrumentalists would have been playing if you’d lived about four hundred years ago. The ground was a repeated chord progression over which the musicians improvised (divisions); or sometimes they would play variations on a popular tune of the day. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Monday, August 20, 2012

A fairly routine day at the office type gig with a few sound hiccups re the mic and the overall balance. Nevertheless, God Bless The Child (who's got his own - mic?) got things rolling with Stockdale digging deep into his blues flavoured bag of musical tricks. Meanwhile, I was digging deep into the Chef's bag of culinary delights in the form of King Prawn & Scallop with Garlic, Chilli and Coriander, with Spiced Focaccia.

Film Themed Buskers' night as part of the Whitley Bay Film Festival, tomorrow night at the Avalon Hotel in Whitley Bay. Cash prize for the winner, this is the 3rd year that it has run, last 2 years have been a blast! Come down and give us a song from a film, 8 o'clock start, best to be early if you want to play, gonna be a cracking night

Sunday, August 19, 2012

What is trumpeter, Fred Rowe (light waistcoat) thinking? ENTRIES NOW CLOSED! THE JUDGES ARE OUT!

The winner gets Free Admission Plus a Pint of Real Ale or a large Glass of Wine if they come along to The Vieux Carré Jazzmen's Summer Barbecue at The Millstone, Haddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth on Thursday evening (August 23) at 7.00pm.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Beverley Beirne is the latest aspiring jazz diva to roll off the seemingly endless conveyor belt onto an already over-crowded stage. Where are all these girls going to find venues to hawk their wares?

Ilkley based Ms Beirne manages to avoid being too stylised and the smoky, sultry, timbre of her voice, despite occasional lapses of intonation, is quite appealing, particularly the sense of ennui that The End of a Love Affair evokes - assisted by some supportive tenor from Cox

You're Looking At Me - a spritely, albeit self-deprecating, lyric from Bobby Troup - also works well. In fact, one of the album's strengths lies in the choice of material which avoids the hackneyed.

Welcome aboard Beverley - we'll just have to get a bigger stage! God knows what we'll do if the guys rush into jazz singing as enthusiastically as you gals!

Away from the vocals, the tenor and piano solos are delights in themselves and bass and drums keep the faithSound samples.

Friday, August 17, 2012

When Lindsay sings Why Try to Change me Now? I'm lost - her slave forever! The rest of her program could consist of Baa Baa Black Sheep sung backwards in Russian in 7/4 time and I wouldn't care! This was a defining moment and it was also her opening number.

Why Try to Change me Now? - a Cy Coleman tune with a triple rhyme lyric by Joe McCarthy - is one of the songs that brought Frank back into the public eye and, whilst I'm not making comparisons, Lindsay's version offers a great alternative take with its up tempo chorus and relaxed middle eight.

What a delight! Vocal groups of this calibre are few and far between and, in this country, Sector 7 are probably unique.

The brainchild of Sarah Ellen Hughes, who arranged 4 of the 5 pieces, Sector 7 came together to act as a backing group for Ms Hughes who candidly admits she'd got together a group of singers who were better than her! I wouldn't necessarily go along with that modest assessment but certainly all four are of comparable standard and, most importantly, compatible.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

There was a whole lot of shakin' going on both on stage and behind the bar. Hoochie was packed with a crowd drawn by the charismatic blues belter, whose voice is inversely proportionate to her diminutive frame, and the Thursday night 2 for 1 cocktail offer.

This latter attraction was a double edged sword inasmuch as it meant us non-cocktail drinkers waited a little longer as these mysterious multi-coloured potions were shaken or stirred according to preference.

Why?, I ask myself, haven't I heard, or even heard of, Dominic J. Marshall before now. A product of that mega musical maelstrom that is Leeds College of Music, where he arrived via the Alan Hawkshaw Scholarship route, Marshall went on to win the prestigious LCM Piano Prize.

From Leeds he re-located to Amsterdam which probably explains why he slipped off my radar. The loss is mine.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Fred Hersch (piano), John Hebert (bass) and Eric McPherson (dm).(Review by David Brownlow).

A Two Disc album recorded “live” at the Village Vanguard in February 2012 by Hersch's current Trio.

Hersch, a gifted musician, who’s already achieved much in a career that includes working with Stan Getz, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, Joe Henderson, and Norma Winstone among others, currently divides his time between teaching, writing, touring, recitals and raising awareness in the jazz community of the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Prague looks to be an interesting place for the jazzman as the following article indicates.

Lance.

Interview with Prague Jazz Expert – Tony Emmerson

To highlight the extraordinary jazz talent in the CzechRepublic, Steph Sheehan from lowcostholidays.com asked UK jazz bloggers to contribute questions towards an interview with Tony Emmerson, the oracle of jazz in Prague. Tony moved from London to Prague six years ago and now writes a wonderful blog, dedicated to Prague Jazz. Here he talks about his top 5 Czech jazz artists, how easy it is to make a living as a jazz artist in Prague and why this city has one of the best jazz scenes in Europe.

Monday, August 13, 2012

There was Marian Page (McPartland), George Shearing, Ralph Sharon, Dill Jones and Derek Smith. All British pianists who emigrated to The States. We know about the first four but what is Derek Smith doing these days?

Jon-Erik Kelso has posted a Kenny Davern video with Derek on piano which has prompted the question. I guess he's 81 now.

There was I, enjoying folk fiddle music in Elvet Methodist church in DurhamCity, when the two above-mentioned took the stage and wowed an audience of about a hundred folkies. You see, it happens that Tim Kliphuis had been working as a tutor with the young people who’d been attending the folk workshops during the previous week, so he’d been asked to play in the final concert, and James Birkett came along to do his bit on guitar.

Tim, a wonderfully skilled exponent of the Stephane Grapelli style of jazz, pleased us mightily with his swirls, whirls, pizzicato tunes, and flute-like effects. This Can’t be Love came first to get us into the mood, followed by a tender version of A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose was played in the Latin style and renamed Red Rose Calypso, with Jim (and us) enjoying his solos, and the set ended with After You’ve Gone, and a Duke Ellington piece. Well done lads.

54 years ago today the most famous photo in jazz history was shot in Harlem. Marian McPartland was part of that picture - the only British born woman present. Follow this link to read about Marian and the filmed documentary that has just been completed.Lance.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

The Elvin Jones Project, not surprisingly, is a tribute to the late Elvin Jones by bassist/composer Michael Feinberg who concentrates on the musical relationships Jones formed with various bass players.

Given that Jones operated very close to the outside this disc hovers in the hinterlands between madness and sanity. I'm pleased to say the latter, more or less, prevails.

Tickets are now on sale for this years Lockerbie Jazz Festival. The 2 day event is held on the weekend of Saturday Sept. 29/Sunday Sept.30. As in previous years the event takes in different styles and venues and no concert ticket costs more than £10.

NYJO with special guests inc. Kenny Wheeler, Nikki Iles and Tim Garland perform an Ellington programme at the Royal Albert Hall tonight. Catch the concert live on Radio 3 at 10:15 pm and on BBC 4 next Friday (August 17).

Our man in Hong Kong became, briefly, Our man in Singapore when he played a gig at the Olde Cuban. It sounds like the Singapore version of Boisdale down at Canary Wharf with it's abundance of whisky and cigars.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Besame Mucho suggested the Coconut Grove or the Stork Club back in the 1940s. A gentle rumba rhythm (or was it a beguine?) set the mood for the evening.Cheek to Cheek took us into safe songbook territory, impeccably sung and played with pianist Stockdale providing the jazz.

One of the most prolific of modern day composers, Marvin Hamlisch, has died aged 68. Hamlisch wrote for both Broadway and Hollywood achieving many Oscar nominations and winning 3 of them along with a Tony and a Pulitzer.

Hey! This book looks good - The Last Balladeer: The Johnny Hartman Story by Gregg Akkerman.
Hartman was an amazing singer yet not as well known as he should have been. His voice had a rich timbre with a fullness that exceeded that of even Billy Eckstine and Nat King Cole his nearest contemporaries.Check "The Last Balladeer" out here.Lance.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Another good (ish) day for our cyclists at the Velodrome. Sir Chris Hoy powered home in the Kieron like as if it was the last 32 of a Ryan Quigley solo. Young Laura Trott took the Omnium - the comparison was Carol Kidd making her mark at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival back in the 1980's.

But Victoria Pendleton! she was rail-roaded. Elbowed by the Aussie, whom she beat, only to be disqualified, it was little wonder that she showed little fight in the next match.

Her second DQ of the games, and the feeling was that this was Billie Holiday on wheels getting on the wrong side of those officials sulking at Britain's success in what were, once, their events.

Oh yes and we won the Triathlon - but not before the judges put the boot in again on Brownlee Minor who finished third - Monk being refused his Cabaret Card in NYC springs to mind with these judges (perhaps one was from Lancashire?)

I can count on one finger the number of Japanese jazz CDs I've listened to over the years then, lo and behold, two come at once.

Forever, recorded September 2011 is a dirge-like collection of originals by Tamura. His style reminds me somewhat of the Polish trumpet player Tomasz Stanko. Long notes, probing phrases - licks they ain't - a complete absence of any form of rhythm but packed with what I guess you might describe as emotional content

Come to The Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel and treat yourself to the full VIP experience. This exclusive event includes a delicious three-course meal, entertainment from the fabulous Jason Isaacs, followed by a late bar and dancing till the early hours – what could be better?

Dinner and show is £30pp (arrive at 7.30pm for 8pm). Chats Bar is open from 6.30pm if you want to enjoy a pre-show cocktail or two and get into the party mood.

Book with Emma at the hotel on 0191 236 1615 - there is also a special room rate for those wishing to make a night of it!

For those of you not wishing to eat, there are a limited number of 'show-only' tickets at£15 pp. You will be able to take your seats from 9pm, but can enjoy a drink at the bar if you arrive earlier.

Yesterday’s torrential rains flooded the bar and cellar at Cullercoats Crescent Club. The regular Monday afternoon jazz session went ahead thanks to the club’s determined efforts to keep the show on the road.The band relocated to the recently refurbished lounge and started on time.

The beer selection has improved along with the refurbishment. A pint of the Jarrow Brewery’s Rivet Catcher in hand, perched on a high bar stool at the back of the room afforded views of the band and through the windows the panoramic vista of CullercoatsBay and out over the North Sea.

I have just finished reading Charles Mingus “Beneath the Underdog” and thought that it was a brilliant insight into the mind of a brilliant man. What does anybody else think ? I would be interested to hear opinions/criticisms etc.

(Review by Russell).
Participants had toiled long and hard for this once in a lifetime opportunity and gold medal performances were sure to be cheered to the echo. Yes, the Jazz Olympics had returned to the Georgian Theatre in Stockton on Tees. Security was tight. Entering the Green Dragon courtyard an exit-entry technician (bouncer).searched suspicious looking jazz fans (aren’t they all?). Those found to be in possession of alcohol and other performance-enhancing substances were fast-tracked into the venue. Tables were set out in decadent cabaret style in the dimly lit former Wesleyan chapel. The best seats were bagged and finely- tuned fans were determined to see out the marathon all-dayer. Electrolytes or not the beers were on the table…gold medal performances were assured.

Jazz history will be revisited with passion, vigour and fidelity as the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra follows its recent successes in the Parliamentary and Scottish Jazz Awards with a celebration of the artistry of Duke Ellington, which tours Scotland in October.

Saturday, August 04, 2012

Bourbon Street Parade got us cruising down the river and what a lovely cruise it was - despite the lack of real ale!

We were passing St. Peter's Basin Marina - that yuppie haven. The yachts may not have been exactly Monte Carlo but they had the edge on Hebburn Marina, a few miles down river and when the band blew When My Dreamboat Comes Home, it, somehow, seemed appropriate.

And they were straight in, no messing around, with Ruth singing Nice Work if you can Get It, and the band certainly did more than nice work, with skilled arrangements, interesting solos and trading of fours. The sound was what I think of as ‘New York’, especially from the horns, but that may be just to my ears.

OK so Tony Martin wasn't a jazzman. He was a singer though and an actor with an engaging presence. He had a way with a ballad that made it easy to understand why such a Hollywood lovely as Cyd Charisse would stay married to him for 60 years!

Favourite Tony Martin record? Tenement Symphony was great but, for me, it was the duet with Fran Warren - Take A Letter Miss Smith. I wonder how many of our readers remember that one?

Thursday, August 02, 2012

This was, perhaps, the best Hoochie Jam yet! Gilligan, looking as though he'd just auditioned for the part of Sky Masterson (Guys and Dolls), met Miss Jones like she'd never been met before. Have You Met Miss Jones? Pete's met her! He and Mark soared through the changes and Miss Jones didn't mind at all.

One of the crazier features of the North East in July is the Real Ale/Jazz Train which runs from Newcastle to Carlisle and back, powered by Diesel, Matfen Breweries' Real Ale and the Vieux Carré 4 or Fred Rowe's Railroad Stompers.

Colin Aitchison, over here from Hong Kong, played on one of the journeys and part of the proceedings were posted on YouTube.

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Spirits Up Above is a timely release. December 2012 marks the thirty fifth anniversary of the death of Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Rhino Records’ double CD surveys the Whistleman’s recorded output for the Atlantic record label over a thirteen year period up to the year before his untimely death. Studio cuts and in concert performances remind the listener of the constants in Kirk’s work; respect for the tradition (New Orleans to Ellington to Mingus to Coltrane), the church, the blues, swing, bop, excellent sidemen – especially the pianists.

There are some good things going on at the delightfully named Melodic Jazz Club in Southport including the above mentioned concert. For more details of this and other happenings in Southport check out: www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk

About this blog - contact details.

Bebop Spoken Here -- Here, being the north-east of England -- centred in the blues heartland of Newcastle and reaching down to the Tees Delta and looking upwards to the Land of the Kilt.Not a very original title, I know; not even an accurate one as my taste, whilst centred around the music of Bird and Diz, extends in many directions and I listen to everything from King Oliver to Chick Corea and beyond. Not forgetting the Great American Songbook the contents of which has provided the inspiration for much great jazz and quality popular singing for round about a century.The idea of this blog is for you to share your thoughts and pass on your comments on discs, gigs, jazz - music in general. If you've been to a gig/concert or heard a CD that knocked you sideways please share your views with us. Tell us about your favourites, your memories, your dislikes.Lance (Who wishes it to be known that he is not responsible for postings other than his own and that he's not always responsible for them.)

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Whilst we appreciate the many emails, texts, messages and other communications we receive requesting album/gig reviews on BSH, regrettably, we are unable to reply to all of them other than those we are able to answer with a positive response.

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